Thomas Partey Scout Report At Arsenal Under Mikel Arteta 2020/2021

Though many Arsenal fans were hopeful of a deadline day signing, most were surprised at the clubs last-ditch attempt in signing Thomas Partey as they activated his £45 million release clause on Monday.

Having been linked with Partey and Houssem Aouar for most of the summer, it was clear that Mikel Arteta wanted midfield reinforcements, and that’s just what he has now got in the 27-year-old Ghanaian.

This scout report will provide tactical analysis on Thomas Partey style of play with an overview using data analysis before giving an insight into how Partey may fit into Arteta’s tactics as he bolsters his new sides midfield.

The addition of Partey is likely to increase Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for next seasons UEFA Champions League if he helps them win the Europa League or by finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

Thomas Partey Statistical overview

Thomas Partey has been deployed as the ball-winning midfielder in Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid four-man midfield for a number of years.

This has meant that he has generally played with a midfield partner, instead of a midfield three.

Below is a visual comparing Partey with La Liga and Premier League midfielders who completed 25% of their team’s minutes.

Partey is a well-rounded midfielder; he excels in both the attacking and defensive aspects of the game.

Notably, his defensive strengths are in his interceptions, as he made 5.15 per 90, and his strength in duels, especially his aerial duels where he had the best aerial success rate of the players in the database at 70%.

His defensive